Sam Steel is staying in Dallas, giving head coach Glen Gulutzan another established middle-six option beyond this season.
The Stars have re-signed Steel to a four-year contract extension carrying a $3.7 million AAV. The new deal begins in 2027-28, keeping the center off the open market next summer.
That timing matters. Steel still has the 2026-27 season left on his current deal, which carries a $2.1 million cap hit. Dallas didn't wait for his contract year to unfold before locking in the next one.
It's a clear commitment to a player who has settled into a defined role since arriving in Dallas. Steel can play center, move around the lineup and give Gulutzan another option when combinations change.
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Steel has played 491 regular-season NHL games, producing 61 goals and 175 points. He also has 48 playoff appearances on his résumé, adding another layer of experience to a Stars group built to play deep into spring.
The contract also changes the conversation around Steel entering camp. Instead of playing through a season with unrestricted free agency waiting, his future in Dallas is already secured.
Dallas is making the commitment well before Steel can test the market.
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Dallas commits to Sam Steel beyond this season
For Gulutzan, that gives the coaching staff continuity down the middle. Steel doesn't need to dominate the puck to fit; his value comes from filling different assignments and giving the bench another trusted matchup option.
There's also a clear financial jump coming. His new $3.7 million AAV represents a $1.6 million increase from the cap hit attached to his current contract.
Steel originally entered the NHL as the 30th overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2016. His career has since developed into something different from the offensive expectations attached to a first-round selection.
Dallas is now paying for the player Steel has become: experienced, flexible and capable of holding a regular place in the lineup.
The four-year term is the bigger statement. The Stars aren't treating Steel as a short-term depth piece anymore.
They've attached real term and money to keeping him in Dallas, and Steel now enters 2026-27 knowing his next contract is already settled.
Did the Dallas Stars make the right call giving Sam Steel four more years?
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